Measurement and shut-off system for a liquid dispensing device

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the invention relate to a measurement and shut-off system for a water dispensing device. The system includes a collection cup in which a float can reside. At least a part of the float can be magnetic. The cup is positioned within the coverage area of the dispensing device. Thus, as water from the dispensing device accumulates in the cup, the float begins to rise. The float can pass by a normally open switch that can be closed under the influence of a magnetic field. The switch can be positioned to correspond to the desired level of water accumulation. If the magnetic portion of the float approaches sufficiently near, the switch can close to complete a circuit that can activate a motor. The rotation of the motor shaft can be transmitted to close a valve so as to restrict the supply of water flow to the water dispensing device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates in general to liquid dispensing devices and, moreparticularly, to a system for measuring the amount of a liquid depositedon an area by a liquid dispensing device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When applying a liquid substance to an area, there may be a preferredquantity of substance that should be deposited onto the area. Forexample, in the context of lawn and garden care, there may be arecommended amount of water that a consumer should apply to a lawn, suchas a certain number of inches of water per square foot of lawn. However,a consumer typically does not have any way of measuring or sufficientlyestimating the amount of water deposited. Moreover, a consumer isusually unable to account for any water that may already be in the soilfrom other sources, such as from recent rainfall. As a result, aconsumer may over or under hydrate the lawn, which, in turn, can lead toan unhealthy lawn. Thus, there is a need for a system that can measurethe amount of water or other liquid substance applied to a lawn or otherarea. There is also a need for a system that can restrict the output ofliquid once the desired amount of liquid has been applied. Further,there is a need for a system that can prevent the dispensing of liquidduring or shortly after a rainfall.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention relate to a measurement and shut-off system fora liquid dispensing device. In one embodiment, the system includes acollection cup that receives a liquid; a float; a power source; an openfirst switch; and a motor. The float is provided within the collectioncup. At least a portion of the float is magnetic and has an associatedmagnetic field. One or more of these individual components can beprovided within a housing.

The open first switch is positioned proximate the collection cup. Theswitch is operatively connected to the power source. The switch isclosable under the influence of a magnetic field. The position of thefirst switch can be adjusted in the substantially vertical direction.

The motor is operatively connected to the power source and the switch.The float rises in the collection cup as a liquid accumulates in thecollection cup. The switch closes when the magnetic field of the floatapproaches sufficiently near the switch, which can complete anelectrical circuit to activate the motor. In one embodiment, the systemcan include a second open switch disposed at a different elevationrelative to the first switch. The first and second switches can besubstantially vertically aligned. In instances where there are two ormore switches, a selector can be operatively connected to the first andsecond switches. The selector allows a user to selectively determinewhich of the first and second switches is operatively connected to thepower source and the motor to form an electrical circuit.

The system can also include a fluid conduit and a valve provided alongthe fluid conduit. The valve can be moved between an open position inwhich flow through the fluid conduit is substantially permitted and aclosed position in which flow through the fluid conduit is substantiallyrestricted. The motor can operatively engage the valve to move the valvebetween open and closed positions. In one embodiment, the motor canoperatively engage the valve by a plurality of gears. The system canfurther include a motor end switch operatively connected between thepower source and the first and second switch. The motor end switch canbe operatively associated with one of the plurality of gears such thatwhen the valve is moved into the closed position, the motor end switchopens and thereby deactivates the motor.

In another embodiment, the system includes: a liquid dispensing device,a collection cup, a float, a power source, a motor, a plurality of openswitches and a selector. The collection cup, the float, the powersource, the motor and the plurality of switches can be provided within ahousing. Each of these components will be discussed in turn.

The liquid dispensing device can have an associated area of coverageover which liquid leaving the device is deposited. The liquid dispensingdevice can be, for example, a sprinkler, a sprayer, a mister or anirrigation tool. The collection cup is positioned in the area ofcoverage. Thus, the collection cup receives liquid from at least theliquid dispensing device. A screen can be disposed above the collectioncup to discourage tampering with the collection cup while notsubstantially impeding the entry of liquid into the cup. The float isprovided within the collection cup. All or only a portion of the floatis magnetic so that it exerts a magnetic field. In one embodiment, amagnet can be attached to the float.

The power source can be one or more batteries. The motor is operativelyconnected to the power source. The plurality of open switches arepositioned proximate the collection cup. Each switch is disposed at adifferent elevation relative to the other switches. Each of the switchesis closable under the influence of a magnetic field. The position of oneor more of the plurality of switches can be adjustable in thesubstantially vertical direction. In one embodiment, the plurality ofswitches can include three or more switches. The plurality of switchescan be spaced substantially equally apart. Alternatively, at least oneof the plurality of switches can be spaced unequally apart from theother switches. The plurality of switches can be substantiallyvertically aligned. A selector is operatively connected to the pluralityof switches. The selector is movable so that a user can select one ofthe plurality switches to be operatively connected to the power sourceand the motor so as to form an electrical circuit.

Again, the collection cup is positioned in the area of coverage of theliquid dispensing device. Thus, as liquid from the liquid dispensingdevice accumulates in the cup, the float rises in the cup. The selectedone of the plurality of switches closes when the magnetic field of thefloat approaches sufficiently near the switch. When the selected switchcloses, the electrical circuit is completed and the motor is activated.

The system can further include a fluid conduit. The fluid conduit can beconnected to the liquid dispensing device. Thus, the fluid conduit candeliver liquid to the liquid dispensing device. A valve can be disposedalong the fluid conduit. The valve can be movable between an openposition in which liquid flow through the fluid conduit is substantiallypermitted and a closed position in which liquid flow through the fluidconduit is substantially restricted. In one embodiment, a timer can bedisposed along the fluid conduit and upstream of the valve.

The motor can operatively engage the valve such that, when activated,the motor moves the valve to the closed position. A valve gear can beoperatively associated with the valve such that rotation of the valvegear moves the valve between open and closed positions. A motor gear canbe operatively associated with the motor. The motor gear can operativelyengage the valve gear such that rotation of the motor gear istransmitted to the valve gear.

The system can include a motor end switch that is operatively connectedbetween the power source and the selected one of the plurality ofswitches. The motor end switch can operatively engage the valve gearsuch that when the valve is moved into the closed position, the motorend switch opens, thereby deactivating the motor.

Another system according to aspects of the invention includes a watersource, a water dispensing device and a fluid conduit connecting thewater source and the water dispensing device in fluid communication. Thewater dispensing device has an associated area of coverage over whichwater is deposited

A valve is disposed along the fluid conduit. The valve is movablebetween an open position in which flow through the fluid conduit issubstantially permitted and a closed position in which flow through thefluid conduit is substantially restricted. In one embodiment, a timercan be disposed along the fluid conduit between the fluid source and thevalve. A valve gear is operatively associated with the valve such thatrotation of the valve gear moves the valve between open and closedpositions.

The system further includes a collection cup for receiving a liquid. Thecollection cup is positioned in the area of coverage of the waterdispensing device. A float is provided within the collection cup. Thefloat is buoyant in water. At least a portion of the float is magneticand has an associated magnetic field.

Additionally, the system includes a power source and a motor operativelyconnected to the power source. The motor has a rotatable shaft on whicha motor gear is attached. The motor gear operatively engages the valvegear such that rotation of the motor gear is transmitted to the valvegear.

A plurality of open switches are positioned proximate the collectioncup. Each switch is disposed at a different elevation relative to theother switches. Each of the switches is closable under the influence ofa magnetic field. The position of one or more of the plurality ofswitches can be adjustable in the substantially vertical direction. Aselector is operatively connected to the plurality of switches. Theselector is movable to select one of the plurality switches to beoperatively connected to the power source and the motor so as to form anelectrical circuit.

As water from the dispensing device accumulates in the collection cup,the float will rise. The selected one of the plurality of switchescloses when the magnetic field of the float approaches sufficiently nearthe switch. Thus, the electrical circuit is completed to activate themotor. The motor moves the valve to the closed position by way of thegears.

The system can further include a motor end switch operatively connectedbetween the power source and the selected one of the plurality ofswitches. The motor end switch can operatively engage the valve gearsuch that, when the valve is moved into the closed position, the motorend switch opens, thereby deactivating the motor.

The valve, the collection cup, the float, the power source, theplurality of switches, and the selector can be provided within ahousing. A screen can be disposed above the collection cup to discouragetampering with the system by animals or people while not substantiallyimpeding the entry of water into the collection cup. The screen can beattached to the collection cup and/or to the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial schematic view of a liquid measurement systemaccording to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the system according to aspects of theinvention, wherein at least a portion of the system is provided within ahousing.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the housing for the systemaccording to aspects of the invention, viewed from line 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a side elevational view of an indirect connection between thesystem according to aspects of the invention and a liquid dispensingdevice.

FIG. 4B is a side elevational view of a direct connection between thesystem according to aspects of the invention and a liquid dispensingdevice.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a valve gear having an actuatorportion according to aspects of the invention, wherein the actuatorportion is a substantially circular ridge.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the valve gear according to aspects of theinvention, viewed from line 6-6 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a partial schematic view of the liquid measurement systemhaving a reset system according to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 8A is a schematic view of the reset system in a first positionaccording to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 8B is a schematic view of the reset system in a second positionaccording to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 8C is a schematic view of the reset system in a third positionaccording to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 8D is a schematic view of the reset system in a fourth positionaccording to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 8E is a schematic view of the reset system in a fifth positionaccording to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 9A is a schematic view of the reset system in a first positionaccording to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 9B is a schematic view of the reset system in a second positionaccording to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 9C is a schematic view of the reset system in a third positionaccording to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 9D is a schematic view of the reset system in a fourth positionaccording to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 9E is a schematic view of the reset system in a fifth positionaccording to aspects of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the valve gear according to aspects of theinvention, showing a ridge arrangement to facilitate the electronicreset system.

FIG. 11A is a diagrammatic view of a conventional liquid dispensingsystem having a timer.

FIG. 11B is a diagrammatic view of a liquid dispensing system having atimer and further equipped with a liquid measurement system according toaspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention can facilitate the measurement orestimation of the amount of a liquid substance applied to an area by aliquid dispensing device. Further, embodiments of the invention canrestrict the supply of the liquid to the liquid dispensing device once adesired level of liquid has been deposited. Embodiments of the inventionwill be explained in the context of one possible system, but thedetailed description is intended only as exemplary. Embodiments of theinvention are shown in FIGS. 1-11, but aspects of the invention are notlimited to the illustrated structure or application.

Aspects of the invention can be used in combination with a liquiddispensing device. Aspects of the invention are not limited to anyparticular liquid dispensing device. For example, the liquid dispensingdevice can be a sprinkler, a hose, a sprayer, a mister, an irrigationtool or a water dispensing device 10, as shown in FIG. 1. The liquiddispensing device can be almost any device that can be used to deposit aliquid substance onto a surface, which can be, for example; a lawn orthe ground. The liquid dispensing device can have an associated coveragearea; that is, that portion of the surface that actually receives liquidfrom the dispensing device. The coverage area can be any shape and size.

While especially suited for water-based systems, aspects of theinvention can be used in connection with almost any substance in liquidform including, for instance, pesticides, fertilizers, vitamins andminerals. Therefore, it will be understood that the use of the terms“water” and “water dispensing device” herein is merely for convenienceand is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to water-basedapplications and devices. Likewise, aspects of the invention are notlimited to use in any specific application. However, it should be notedthat aspects of the invention can be used in a wide-range ofapplications including lawn and garden care, landscaping, irrigation,farming and cleaning, just to name a few possibilities.

The water dispensing device 10 can be in fluid communication with awater source 12. The water source 12 can be, for example, a pressurizedwater distribution system. The water source 12 can provide a connector(not shown), such as an outdoor hose bib or faucet, to facilitateattachment to other water conduits. In one embodiment, one or more fluidconduits, such as a hose 14, can be used to connect the water dispensingdevice 10 and the water source 12 in fluid communication.

A system 16 according to aspects of the invention can include a varietyof components, which will now be described. The system 16 can include avalve 18 to control the supply of water from the source 12 to thedispensing device 10. That is, the valve 18 can be used to selectivelypermit and prohibit the flow of water to the dispensing device 10. Thevalve 18 can be connected between the water source 12 and the waterdispensing device 10. In one embodiment, the valve 18 can be disposedalong the hose 14 connecting the water source 12 and the waterdispensing device 10. The valve 18 can be almost any type of valve and,in one embodiment, the valve 18 can be a ball valve.

The system can further include a collection cup 20. The collection cup20 can be any size and shape. In one embodiment, the collection cup 20can be at least about 4 square inches in cross-section and at leastabout 2.5 inches deep. An upper end 22 of the collection cup 20 can beopen. The collection cup 20 can be made of any of a number of materials.Preferably, the collection cup 20 is made of a durable, non-corrosivematerial, such as plastic. The collection cup 20 can be positioned so asto be within the coverage area of the water dispensing device 10. Thus,a portion of the water 24 exiting the device 10 can enter and accumulatein the cup 20 when the dispensing device 10 is in operation. In oneembodiment, the collection cup 20 can be attached to at least a portionof the valve 18.

A float 26 can reside within the collection cup 20. The float 26 can bemade of almost any material, but it is preferably made of a durablenon-corrosive material like plastic. In one embodiment, the float can bemade of polyfoam. In addition, the float 26 can be made of a materialthat is buoyant in the water 24 or whatever liquid substance is beingcollected in the cup 20. Thus, as the water 24 collects in the cup 20,the float 26 can rise, remaining substantially on top of the water 24.It will be appreciated that the float 26 can have variousconfigurations, and aspects of the invention are not limited to anyparticular configuration. As an example, the float 26 can have a baseportion 28, which can provide stability, with an elongated rod 30extending substantially upward from the base portion 28.

At least a portion of the float 26 can be magnetic. The float 26 can bemade magnetic in numerous ways. For instance, all or a portion of thefloat 26 can be made of a magnetic material. In one embodiment, a magnet32 can be mounted on the float 26, such as at the end of the rod 30. Inanother embodiment, at least a portion of the magnet 32 can be embeddedin the float 26. For instance, the entire magnet can be embedded withinthe float 26. Such an arrangement can minimize concerns of magnetcorrosion by substantially preventing the magnet from contacting thewater collecting in the cup. There are numerous ways in which the magnet32 can be attached to the float 26 including, for example, mechanicalengagement, fasteners, and adhesives, just to name a few possibilities.Alternatively, at least a portion of the float 26 can be coated with amagnetic substance, such as magnetic paint. The magnet 32 can be almostany type of magnet 32 and can be almost any type of magnetic materialcan be used. The magnet 32 can be sized and shaped as needed to exert asufficient magnetic field, as will be discussed later.

The system 16 can include one or more switches 34, which, forconvenience, will be referred to herein as height switches. The heightswitch 34 can be almost any type of switch. The height switch 34 can benormally open. The height switch 34 can be influenced by a magneticfield. Specifically, the height switch 34 can close under the influenceof the magnetic field of the float. The height switch 34 can remainclosed for as long as the magnetic field is exerted on the height switch34.

The height switch 34 can be mounted substantially proximate thecollection cup 20. The height switch 34 can be located slightly abovethe collection cup 20 as well. The switch 34 can be positioned tocorrespond to a certain amount of float travel based on the accumulationof a certain level of water 24 in the collection cup 20. In oneembodiment, the position of the height switch 34 can be adjusted by auser to correspond to a desired amount of water 24 accumulation in thecollection cup 20. For example, the height switch 34 can be moved up ordown in the substantially vertically direction. To that end, the heightswitch 34 can be sliadably mounted on another component or structure,such as a post (not shown) or a housing 66.

Thus, as the float travels, the magnetic portion of the float 20 caneventually come sufficiently close to the height switch 34 so as toexert a magnetic field to close the height switch 34. In one embodiment,such as when the magnetic portion of the float 26 does not protrudebeyond the open end 22 of the cup 20 once the desired level is reached,the magnet field can be sufficiently strong so as to penetrate the wallsof collection cup 20 to close the height switch 34. However, the cup 20may be relatively shallow so that, the magnetic portion of the float 26extends outside of the cup 20 for at least a portion of the range oftravel of the float 26.

Again, aspects of the invention are not limited to a height singleswitch 34. Aspects of the invention also include systems having two ormore height switches 34. In such case, the height switches 34 can bedisposed at different elevations relative to each other. The differentelevations can correspond to different amounts of float travel. In oneembodiment, there can be four height switches 34. The height switches 34can be mounted such that a first switch 34 a can be actuated after about½ inch of float travel. A second switch 34 b can be actuated after about1 inch of float travel. A third switch 34 c and a fourth switch 34 d canbe actuated after about 1½ inches and about 2 inches of travel,respectively. Again, these elevations are provided merely as an example.The total distance between the lowermost height switch and the uppermostheight switch can vary from application to application, and aspects ofthe invention are not limited to any particular distance. Further, thespacing between the individual height switches 34 can be substantiallyequal or at least one of the switches 34 can be provided at unequalspacing relative to the other switches 34. The two or more heightswitches 34 can be substantially vertically aligned. In one embodiment,the position of at least one of the height switches 34 can be adjusted,as discussed previously.

When the system 16 includes multiple height switches 34, a selector 36can be provided to determine which of the height switches 34 is used toform a circuit 38, which will be described in detail later. In oneembodiment, the selector 36 can be a switch. The selector 36 can be inoperative engagement with the two or more height switches 34 so that auser can select the desired level of water to be applied. The selector36 can be directly manipulated by a user, or it can be indirectlymanipulated by providing a user knob 40 operatively connected to theselector 36 to facilitate user engagement of the selector 36.

The system 16 can include a motor 42, which can be an electric motor.The motor 42 can which can be used to close the valve 18 once thedesired amount of water 24 has been applied to the lawn. To that end,the motor 42 can operatively engage the valve 18. The operativeengagement between the motor 42 and the valve 18 can be achieved invarious ways. For instance, the motor 42 can have a rotatable shaft 44on which a gear 46 can be attached. The motor gear 46 can engage a gear48 connected to the valve 18 such that rotation of the valve gear 48 canmove the valve 18 between open and closed positions. In one embodiment,the valve gear 48 and the motor gear 46 can directly engage each other.In another embodiment, the valve gear 48 and the motor gear 46 can beindirectly engaged, such as by one or more intermediate gears (notshown) that can transmit the motion of the motor gear 46 to the valvegear 48. Preferably, the motor 42 has sufficient torque to close thevalve 18. Increases in torque can be gained through gear reduction.Again, it will be appreciated that gears are just one of several ways inwhich the motor 42 can be used to manipulate the valve 18.

The system 16 according to aspects of the invention can include a powersource 50. The power source 50 can be, for example, one or morebatteries or any other suitable power source. The power source 50 can beused to power the motor 42. The power source 50, in addition to the atleast one height switch 34, the selector 36 and the motor 42, can formthe circuit 38. As shown in FIG. 1, the motor 42 can be operativelyconnected to receive energy from the power source 50. The motor 42 canbe operatively connected to the at least one height switch 34, which, inturn, can be operatively connected to the selector 36, if provided.Depending on the arrangement, the height switch 34 and/or selector 36can be operatively connected to the power source 50. Operativeconnection of the above-described components can be achieved by, forexample, conductors 52.

When the valve 18 is fully closed, the system 16 can be configured todeactivate the motor 42. In one embodiment, the motor 42 can bedeactivated by creating an open condition in the circuit 38, therebyterminating current flow to the motor 42. To that end, the system 16 caninclude a motor end switch 54, which can form a part of the circuit 38.When the motor end switch 54 is in the closed position, the circuit 38is complete, allowing the motor 42 to operate. When the motor end switch54 is in the open position, the circuit 38 is open, cutting off currentflow to the motor 42. In one embodiment, the motor end switch 54 can bea normally open.

There are various ways to move the motor end switch 54 between the openand closed positions. For example, the motor end switch 54 can bemanipulated manually by a user, or it can be manipulated automatically.In one embodiment, the valve gear 48 can include an actuator portion 56.The actuator portion 56 can be molded into the valve gear 48, or it canbe attached to the valve gear 48 by mechanical engagement, fastenersand/or adhesives, just to name a few possibilities. The actuator portion56 can engage the motor end switch 54, which can include, for example, amicro-switch with a roller at one end for engaging the actuator portion56. The actuator portion 56 can maintain the motor end switch 54 in theclosed position for at least a portion of the range of travel of thevalve gear 48. The engagement between the actuator portion 56 and themotor end switch 54 can be configured such that once the valve 18 is inthe closed position, the motor end switch 54 opens to break the circuit38. As a result, current can no longer flow to the motor 42, therebydeactivating the motor 42.

In one embodiment, the actuator portion 56 can be a pin (not shown)extending from the valve gear 48. In another embodiment, the actuatorportion 56 can be a substantially circular ridge 58 extending from thevalve gear 48, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The ridge 58 can engage themotor end switch 54 to maintain the motor end switch 54 in the closedposition. To open the motor end switch 54, the ridge 58 can include oneor more interruptions, such as notches 60. The notches 60 can be partialor complete interruptions in the ridge 58. Further, the notches 60 canbe almost any shape including, for example, parabolic, rectangular,semi-circular and triangular. When an interruption is encountered, theactuator portion 56 can disengage from the motor end switch 54, allowingthe motor end switch 54 to move to the open position. Alternatively, themotor end switch 54 and the actuator portion 56 can remain engaged, butthe switch 54 is otherwise allowed to move to an open position. Themotor end switch 54 can remain in the open position until reset by auser.

The system 16 can further be configured to allow a user to reset thesystem 16 after water flow to the water dispensing device 10 has beenrestricted and the motor 42 is deactivated. Resetting the system 16 canbe achieved in a number of ways. In one embodiment, a shaft 62 canextend from the valve gear 48. A user knob 64 can be mounted on one endof the shaft 62 to facilitate manipulation by a user. The other end ofthe shaft 62 can engage the valve 18. Thus, it will be appreciated thatthe knob 64 is operatively connected to the valve gear 48 and the valve18 by way of the shaft 62. After a watering cycle is completed, asdescribed above, the knob 64 can point to the “off” position (see FIG.3) in which the switch 54 is open and the valve 18 is closed. A user canmanually turn the knob 64 to the “on” position. Movement of the knob istransmitted by way of the shaft 62 to open the valve 18. Further, themovement of the knob is transmitted to the valve gear by way of theshaft. By turning the knob 64 to the “on” position, the actuator portion56 of the valve gear 48 can reengage the switch 54 so as to close theswitch 54. Now the system 16 is ready to be used again.

Another embodiment of a reset configuration for the system 16 accordingto aspects of the invention is shown in FIG. 7. As shown, the circuit 38can have a branch 80 connected in parallel with the portion of thecircuit 38 that includes the height switches 34 and the motor end switch54. The branch 80 can include a valve open switch 82 and a reset switch84. Use of the terms “valve open” and “reset” in connection with theswitches 82, 84 in the branch 80 is merely for convenience to facilitatediscussion. These terms are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention.

The reset switch 84 can be almost any kind of switch or other suitabledevice such as a relay. The reset switch 84 can be operatively connectedto a user button or dial (not shown) such that a user can operate thereset switch 84. The button or dial can be provided on the exterior ofthe housing 66.

Like the motor end switch 54, the valve open switch 82 can directly orindirectly operatively engage the valve gear 48 in any of the mannersdiscussed above. In one embodiment, each of the motor end switch 54 andthe valve open switch 82 can has an associated roller micro-switch (notshown), which in turn can engage the valve gear 48. The valve gear 48can include one or more actuator portions 56 for engaging the rollermicro-switches. In one embodiment, the actuator portion 56 can be a setof four ridges 88 provided on the valve gear 48. One arrangement of thefour ridges is shown in FIG. 9. There is a first ridge 88 a, a secondridge 88 b, a third ridge 88 c and a fourth ridge 88 d. The previousdiscussion regarding ridge 58 can apply equally to the four ridges 88.The first and third ridges 88 a, 88 c can be substantially on a firstdiameter D1; the second and fourth ridges 88 b, 88 d can besubstantially on a second diameter D2. The first and second diametersD1, D2 can be unequal. Thus, during a complete revolution of the valvegear 48, the valve open switch 82 can operatively engage the second andfourth ridges 88 b, 88 d whereas the motor end switch 54 can operativelyengage the first and third ridges 88 a, 88 c. To facilitate discussion,it should also be noted that there are various positions associated withthe valve gear 48 and the ridges 88, which will be designated P1, P2, P3and P4, as shown in FIG. 10.

The operation of such a reset system will now be explained in connectionwith FIGS. 8A-8E, which show a simplified view of the circuit 38 havingthe branch portion 80. FIG. 8A shows the system as it is ready to beused for watering. The motor end switch 54 and the valve open switch 82are generally at position P1 of the valve gear 48. The height switch 34is open, and the motor end switch 54 is closed by its operativeengagement with the first ridge 88 a. In the branch 80, the valve openswitch 82 is open and the reset switch 84 is open.

Once the desired amount of water has been imparted onto the lawn, themagnet associated with the float 26 can close height switch 34, which,as described above, activates the motor 42 to close the valve 18. In oneembodiment, the motor 42 can turn the valve gear 48 approximately onequarter turn to close the valve 18. This movement of the valve gear 48places the motor end switch 54 and the valve open switch 82 generally atposition P2 of the valve gear 48. In position P2, the motor end switch54 can be open because, for example, the motor end switch 54 can bedisengaged from the first ridge 88 a, thereby deactivating the motor 42.Also in position P2, the valve open switch 82 can engage the secondridge 88 b, thereby causing the valve open switch 82 to close. However,the reset switch 84 is still open because the user has yet to engage thereset switch 84. Such a condition is shown in FIG. 8B. After the userempties the accumulated water 24 from the collection cup 20, the heightswitch 34 opens, as shown in FIG. 8C, because the float 26 will fall tothe bottom of the cup 20.

The user can now close the reset switch 84 by manipulating the providedinterface, which can be, for example, a knob, dial, or button (notshown). After it is moved into the closed position by a user, the resetswitch 84 can be held in the closed position. Again, the valve openswitch 82 is closed because of its engagement with the second ridge 88b. Thus, as shown in FIG. 8D, the circuit 38 is completed and the motor42 is activated. In one embodiment, the motor 42 can turn approximatelyone quarter turn. When the valve open switch 82 disengages the secondridge 88 b, the valve open switch 82 can open, thereby causing an opencondition in the circuit 38 and deactivating the motor 42. The resetswitch 84, which can be a relay, can open such as under its own bias dueto the interruption in power. However, the motor end switch 54 can beclosed because it is in operative engagement with the third ridge 88 c.Such a condition is shown in FIG. 8E. It is noted that the condition ofthe circuit 38 is the same as the condition shown in FIG. 8A. Thus, itwill be appreciated that the system 16 is ready to be used again at thispoint, and the above cycle can repeat.

In another reset system, the reset switch 84 can be a normally openswitch that can be influenced by a magnetic field, similar to the heightswitch 34 described earlier. The reset switch 84 can be positionedsubstantially at or near the bottom end 23 of the collection cup 20 orotherwise positioned such that when there is no liquid in the collectioncup 20, the reset switch 84 is sufficiently within the magnetic field ofthe float 26 such that the switch 84 closes. In one embodiment, thereset switch 84 can be a reed switch.

The operation of such a reset system is shown in FIGS. 9A-9E. Referringto FIG. 9A, the system 16 is ready for use. The valve open switch 82 andthe motor end switch 54 engage the valve gear 48 at position P1 suchthat the valve open switch 82 is open and the motor end switch 54 isclosed. Because there is no water in the collection cup 20, the float 26can reside at the bottom of the cup 20. Thus, the height switch 34 isopen because it is out of the magnetic field of the float 26, but thereset switch 84 is closed because it is under the influence of themagnetic field of the float 26.

As water 24 collects in the cup 20, the float 26 rises and eventuallythe reset switch 84 will be out of the magnetic field associated withthe float 26. In such case, the reset switch 84 can open under its ownbias or otherwise. If enough water 24 accumulates in the cup 20, thefloat 26 will rise such that the height switch 34 is sufficiently withinthe magnetic field of the float 26, thereby causing the height switch 34to close. The motor end switch 54 remains closed and the valve openswitch 82 remains open because the valve gear 48 has not moved fromposition P1. The condition of the circuit 38 is shown in FIG. 9B.Because the height switch 34 and the motor end switch 54 are closed, thecircuit 38 is completed. As discussed previously, the motor 42 can runto close the valve 18 and turn the valve gear 48. At position P2, themotor end switch 54 opens and the valve open switch 82 closes, which isshown in FIG. 9C. It will be appreciated that the circuit 38 is open andthe motor 42 is deactivated.

To reset the system, the user can empty the cup 20, causing the float 26to fall to the bottom of the collection cup 20. Thus, the reset switch84 can close under the influence of the magnetic field associated withthe float 26. In addition, the height switch 34 opens because it is nolonger sufficiently within the magnetic field of the float 26. Such acondition is shown in FIG. 9D. Because the reset switch 84 and the valveopen switch 82 are both closed, the circuit 38 is completed and themotor 42 can be activated. The motor 42 can move the valve gear 48 toposition P3 such that the motor end switch 54 closes and the valve openswitch 82 opens, as described above. Movement of the valve gear 48 canalso move the valve 18 to the open position. The height switch 34remains open and the reset switch 84 remains closed as the float 26rests at the bottom of the cup 20. At this point, the circuit 38 appearsas shown in FIG. 9E and is ready for use. It will be appreciated thatthe condition of the circuit 38 in FIG. 9E is identical to the conditionof the circuit 38 in FIG. 9A.

Instead of a user manually emptying the collection cup 20, the water 24in the cup 20 can simply be allowed to evaporate. The rate ofevaporation of the water in the cup should be approximately the same asthe rate of evaporation of the water in the ground. Thus, when the water24 in the collection cup 20 evaporates such that the cup 20 is empty ornear empty, the ground will need to be watered. The float 26 will benear the bottom of the cup 20, affecting the circuit 38 as discussedabove as if the user emptied the cup 20. Thus, it will be appreciatedthat the system can be substantially self-sustaining with little or nouser input required after set-up.

During the operation life of the power source 50, there may be timeswhen the voltage of the power source 50 decreases and is no longersufficient to operate the motor 42 and/or close the valve 18, as mayoccur near the end of the operational life of the power source 50. Insuch cases, the valve 18 may not close, and water can continue to besupplied to the water dispensing device 10. Consequently, a lawn or areabeing watered can become flooded, and the consumer may have expensivewater utility bills. To minimize such concerns, aspects of the inventioncan include a low voltage feature such that, when the voltage of thepower source 50 falls below a certain voltage, the valve 18 is closedand the reset function, including any of those described above, isdisabled until a new power source 50 is installed.

It should be noted that when a system 16 according to aspects of theinvention are used to water a lawn, there may be instances in which ananimal, such as a dog or cat, may drink accumulated water 24 from thecollection cup 20. It will be appreciated that such water consumptioncan adversely affect the operation of the system 16 according to aspectsof the invention. To prevent such occurrences, a screen 90 can be placedover the upper end 22 of the collection cup 20. In instances where thecup 20 is provided within the housing 66, the screen 90 can be providedon and attached to the housing 66, as shown in FIG. 2. The screen 90 canbe attached to the housing 66 in numerous ways including, for example,by welding, fasteners, mechanical engagement, adhesives. The screen 90can be made of any material. The screen 90 can be flat, or it caninclude one or more raised areas. Ideally, the mesh of the screen 90 issufficiently sized to deter animals from drinking the water 24 from thecollection cup 20 while not substantially interfering with water entryand accumulation in the cup 20.

The components of the system can be located in various places. Forinstance, some of the components can be located above or below ground inor near the area to be watered. In such case, the conductors 52 of thecircuit 38, such as the conductors connecting between the motor 42 andthe height switches 34, can extend across a yard or can be routedunderground.

Alternatively or in addition, at least some of the components of thesystem can be provided inside a housing 66. In one embodiment, all ofthe system components can be consolidated within the housing 66, asshown in FIG. 2. When the collection cup 20 is provided inside of thehousing 66, the housing 66 can include an open top 68 to allow water toenter the collection cup 20. At least some of the individual componentsof the system can be mounted to the housing 66. For instance, the heightswitches 34 can be mounted inside the housing 60 at differentelevations. Some of the individual components of the system can residein the housing 66 without being attached to the housing 66. The on/offuser knob 64 and the selector user knob 40 can be provided on theoutside of the housing 66, as shown in FIG. 3. Further, the housing 66can include exterior markings 70 to designate switch positions. Thehousing 66 can also provide connectors 72 adapted to attach to hoses,liquid conduits or the water dispensing device 10. The connectors 72 canbe connected to the valve 18. Alternatively, the housing 66 can includeopenings to allow hoses, liquid conduits or the water dispensing device10 to be routed inside of the housing 66 and/or to connect to any of thecomponents inside of the housing 66, such as the valve 18.

The housing 66 can be made of any of a number of materials. Preferably,the housing 66 is made of a durable non-corrosive material like plastic.Such an arrangement is well suited for instances in which a user intendson using the system 16 in various locations and/or applications.

Having described the individual components of the system according toaspects of the invention, one example of the operation of such a systemaccording to aspects of the invention will now be described. Forpurposes of discussion, the example will concern a user interested inwatering a lawn. Further, it will be assumed that the water dispensingdevice, such as a sprinkler, is provided in a single housing. Inaddition, the system 16 has four height switches 34 a, 34 b, 34 c, 34 dprovided at approximately ½, 1, 1½ and 2 inches, respectively.

The user can connect a first hose 74 between the water source 12 and thevalve 18. Next, the user can connect a second hose 76 from the valve 18to the water dispensing device 10. The system 16 can be positionedwithin the range of the water dispensing device 10 to collect waterexiting the device 10.

Using the provided knob 40, the user can move the selector 36 to theindicated position of the desired level of water. It will also beassumed that the user has selected 1 inch. Next, the user can turn theon/off knob 64 to the “on” position. Thus, the valve gear 48 is turnedto the on position, which opens the valve 18 and closes the motor endswitch 54 by way of the actuator portion 56. At this point, the circuit38 is only interrupted by the height switches 34 being open. The usercan open the water faucet to allow water to flow to the water dispensingdevice 10 to begin irrigating the lawn.

As noted earlier, the system 16 including the water collection cup 20 isplaced in the range of the water dispensing device 10. Thus, a portionof the water 24 exiting the dispensing device 10 can fall into andcollect in the cup 20. As water 24 accumulates in the cup 20, the float26 can begin to rise. After about ½ inch of water 24 accumulates, themagnetic portion of the float 26 can pass sufficiently close to thefirst switch 34 a such that the first switch closes 34 a under theinfluence of the magnetic field. But, because of the user settings, thefirst switch 34 a does not form a part of the motor activation circuit38 and the motor activation circuit remains 38 open. As a result, themotor 42 remains inactive. When the water 24 in the cup accumulates toabout 1 inch, the magnetic portion of the float 26 can be sufficientlyproximate the second switch 34 b such that the magnetic field closes thesecond switch 34 b. As a result, the circuit 38 is completed because thesecond switch 34 b is the remaining open component is the circuit 38.

With the circuit 38 activated, current can flow from the power source 50to the motor 42. The rotation of the motor shaft 44 can turn the motorgear 46. The motor gear 46 can directly or indirectly turn the valvegear 48, which can turn the valve 18. When the valve 18 is moved intothe closed position, water flow to the water dispensing device 10 issubstantially restricted. In addition, the turning of the valve gear 48moves the actuator portion 56 such that the motor end switch opens 54,thereby causing an open circuit condition and deactivating the motor 42.Thus, it will be appreciated that once the irrigation process has begun,the user does not need to constantly or even periodically monitor thewatering, freeing time to attend to other tasks.

It will be appreciated that the system 16 according to aspects of theinvention can take into account any water in the soil due to recentrainfall. For example, if the system 16 was in a yard during a rainfall,then collection cup 20 would accumulate rain water. If a user wishes towater the lawn shortly after the rain, the user can simply operate thesystem 16 as outlined above, leaving the rain water in the collectioncup 20. Thus, the water deposited by the recent rain will be taken intoaccount by the system 16.

It should be noted that many liquid dispensing systems include anautomated timer like in a conventional home watering system. Embodimentsof the invention can be used in connection such timer-based systems.FIG. 11A shows an example of a conventional watering system 100. A timer102 can be disposed anywhere between the fluid source 12 and the waterdispensing device 10. For example, the timer 102 can be disposed along ahose 14 or other fluid conduit connecting the fluid source 12 and thewater dispensing device 10 in fluid communication. Alternatively, thetimer 102 can be directly attached to one of the fluid source 12 and thewater dispensing device 10.

The timer 102 can include a controller 104 and a valve 106. Thecontroller 104 can be operatively associated with the valve 106 and cancontrol the opening and closing of the valve 106. The controller 104 canbe electronic or mechanical, and the controller 104 can be programmed bya user for the desired operation. Thus, when instructed, the controller104 can open the valve 106 and allow water to flow from the source 12 tothe water dispensing device 10. It should be noted that most timers 102are adapted to only measure time with respect to the day and time ofwhen to water and the duration of the watering. Few timers 102 areadapted to account for any recent watering by, for example, a naturalrainfall. As a result, such timer-based systems would water a lawn evenduring or shortly after a natural rainfall.

Such unnecessary watering that occurs in some timer-based systems can beminimized or prevented by embodiments of the system 16 according toaspects of the invention. FIG. 11B shows a general arrangement of asystem 16 according to aspects of the invention used in combination witha conventional timer-based watering system 100. The system 16 can bepositioned downstream of the timer 102. After a recent watering, thesystem 16 according to aspects of the invention would have alreadycollected water in the collection cup 20 and closed the valve 18, asalready described above. Thus, it will be appreciated that even if thecontroller 104 opens the timer valve 106, the system valve 18 is closed,thereby substantially restricting water flow to the water dispensingdevice 10.

The foregoing description is provided in the context of various possibleliquid measurement systems. It will be appreciated that aspects of theinvention can be applied in connection with various applications. Itwill of course be understood that the invention is not limited to thespecific details described herein, which are given by way of exampleonly, and that various modifications and alterations are possible withinthe scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

1. A system comprising: a collection cup for receiving a liquid; a floatprovided within the collection cup, at least a portion of the floatbeing magnetic and having an associated magnetic field; a power source;an open first switch positioned proximate the collection cup, the switchbeing operatively connected to the power source, the switch beingclosable under the influence of a magnetic field; and a motoroperatively connected to the power source and the switch, wherein thefloat rises as a liquid accumulates in the collection cup, wherein theswitch closes when the magnetic field of the float approachessufficiently near the switch, whereby an electrical circuit is completedand the motor is activated.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein at leastone of the cup, the float, the power source, the switch and the motor isprovided within a housing.
 3. The system of claim 1 further including:an open second switch disposed at a different elevation relative to thefirst switch; and a selector operatively connected to the first andsecond switches, wherein the selector selectively determines which ofthe first and second switches is operatively connected to the powersource and the motor to form an electrical circuit.
 4. The system ofclaim 3 wherein the first and second switches are substantiallyvertically aligned.
 5. The system of claim 1 further including: a fluidconduit; and a valve provided along the fluid conduit, the valve beingmovable between an open position in which flow through the fluid conduitis substantially permitted and a closed position in which flow throughthe fluid conduit is substantially restricted, wherein the motoroperatively engages the valve to move the valve between open and closedpositions.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein the motor operativelyengages the valve by a plurality of gears.
 7. The system of claim 6further including a motor end switch operatively connected between thepower source and the first and second switch, wherein the motor endswitch is operatively associated with one of the plurality of gears suchthat when the valve is moved into the closed position, the motor endswitch opens, thereby deactivating the motor.
 8. The system of claim 1wherein the position of the first switch is adjustable in thesubstantially vertical direction.
 9. A system comprising: a liquiddispensing device, the liquid dispensing device having an associatedarea of coverage over which liquid is deposited; a collection cup forreceiving a liquid, wherein the collection cup is positioned in the areaof coverage; a float provided within the collection cup, at least aportion of the float being magnetic so as to exert a magnetic field; apower source; a motor operatively connected to the power source; aplurality of open switches positioned proximate the collection cup,wherein each switch is disposed at a different elevation relative to theother switches, wherein each of the switches is closable under theinfluence of a magnetic field; and a selector operatively connected tothe plurality of switches, wherein the selector is movable to select oneof the plurality switches to operatively connected to the power sourceand the motor so as to form an electrical circuit, wherein the floatrises as a liquid from the liquid dispensing device accumulates in thecollection cup, wherein the selected one of the plurality of switchescloses when the magnetic field of the float approaches sufficiently nearthe switch, whereby the electrical circuit is completed and the motor isactivated.
 10. The system of claim 9 wherein the liquid dispensingdevice is one of a sprinkler, a sprayer, a mister or an irrigation tool.11. The system of claim 9 wherein the float includes a magnet attachedthereto.
 12. The system of claim 9 wherein the plurality of switchesincludes at least three switches.
 13. The system of claim 12 wherein theplurality of switches are spaced substantially equally apart.
 14. Thesystem of claim 12 wherein at least one of the plurality of switches isspaced unequally apart from the other switches.
 15. The system of claim9 wherein the plurality of switches are substantially verticallyaligned.
 16. The system of claim 9 wherein the collection cup, thefloat, the power source, the motor and the plurality of switches areprovided within a housing.
 17. The system of claim 9 wherein the powersource is at least one battery.
 18. The system of claim 9 furtherincluding: a fluid conduit connected to the liquid dispensing device,whereby the fluid conduit delivers liquid to the liquid dispensingdevice; and a valve disposed along the fluid conduit, the valve beingmovable between an open position in which liquid flow through the fluidconduit is substantially permitted and a closed position in which liquidflow through the fluid conduit is substantially restricted, wherein themotor operatively engages the valve such that, when activated, the motormoves the valve to the closed position.
 19. The system of claim 18further including: a valve gear operatively associated with the valvesuch that rotation of the valve gear moves the valve between open andclosed positions; and a motor gear operatively associated with themotor, wherein the motor gear operatively engages the valve gear suchthat rotation of the motor gear is transmitted to the valve gear. 20.The system of claim 19 further including: a motor end switch operativelyconnected between the power source and the selected one of the pluralityof switches, wherein the motor end switch operatively engages the valvegear such that when the valve is moved into the closed position, themotor end switch opens, thereby deactivating the motor.
 21. The systemof claim 18 further including a timer disposed along the fluid conduitand upstream of the valve.
 22. The system of claim 9 wherein theposition of at least one of the plurality of switches is adjustable inthe substantially vertical direction.
 23. The system of claim 9 furtherincluding a screen disposed above the collection cup.
 24. A systemcomprising: a water source; a water dispensing device, the waterdispensing device having an associated area of coverage over which wateris deposited; a fluid conduit connecting the water source and the waterdispensing device in fluid communication; a valve disposed along thefluid conduit, the valve being movable between an open position in whichflow through the fluid conduit is substantially permitted and a closedposition in which flow through the fluid conduit is substantiallyrestricted; a valve gear operatively associated with the valve such thatrotation of the valve gear moves the valve between open and closedpositions; a collection cup for receiving a liquid, wherein thecollection cup is positioned in the area a collection cup for receivinga liquid, wherein the collection cup is positioned in the area ofcoverage; a float provided within the collection cup, the float beingbuoyant in water, wherein at least a portion of the float being magneticand having an associated magnetic field; a power source; a motoroperatively connected to the power source, the motor having a rotatableshaft; a motor gear attached to the motor shaft, wherein the motor gearoperatively engages the valve gear such that rotation of the motor gearis transmitted to the valve gear. a plurality of open switchespositioned proximate the collection cup, wherein each switch is disposedat a different elevation relative to the other switches, wherein each ofthe switches is closable under the influence of a magnetic field; and aselector operatively connected to the plurality of switches, wherein theselector is movable to select one of the plurality switches to beoperatively connected to the power source and the motor so as to form anelectrical circuit, wherein the float rises as water from the waterdispensing device accumulates in the collection cup, wherein theselected one of the plurality of switches closes when the magnetic fieldof the float approaches sufficiently near the switch, thereby completingthe electrical circuit to activate the motor, wherein the motor movesthe valve to the closed position by way of the gears.
 25. The system ofclaim 24 further including a motor end switch operatively connectedbetween the power source and the selected one of the plurality ofswitches, wherein the motor end switch operatively engages the valvegear such that when the valve is moved into the closed position, themotor end switch opens, thereby deactivating the motor.
 26. The systemof claim 24 wherein the valve, the collection cup, the float, the powersource, the plurality of switches, and the selector are provided withina housing.
 27. The system of claim 24 further including a screendisposed above the collection cup.
 28. The system of claim 27 whereinthe screen is attached to the housing.
 29. The system of claim 24wherein the position of at least one of the plurality of switches isadjustable in the substantially vertical direction.
 30. The system ofclaim 24 further including a timer disposed along the fluid conduitbetween the fluid source and the valve.